Word Origin & History

wonder O.E. wundor "marvelous thing, marvel, the object of astonishment," from P.Gmc. *wundran (cf. O.S. wundar, M.Du., Du. wonder, O.H.G. wuntar, Ger. wunder, O.N. undr), of unknown origin. In M.E. it also came to mean the emotion associated with such a sight (late 13c.). The verb is from O.E. wundrian. Used colloquially in Pennsylvania German areas in some transitive senses (It wonders me that ... for "I wonder why ..."); this was common in M.E. and as late as Tindale (1533), and a correspondent reports the usage also yet survives in Yorkshire/Lincolnshire. Related: Wondered, wondering, wonders.

Example Sentences for wonder

Do you wonder if I'm not in a mood for saying dainty things?

The Indians gathered about in wonder as Jim knelt beside his friend.

No wonder these wanderers felt that angels had screened them on their way.

"I wonder if that was what he was trying to tell me when he was killed," said Jim.

"I wonder if you'll get anything this Christmas," she remarked.

Pen, I wonder if he would have thought your reason the right one?

"No wonder you seem so much like one of us," remarked Marjorie.

I wonder whether I should have been with the party if I had not been lame.